3D Convolution Conjugate Gradient Inversion of Potential Fields in Acoculco Geothermal Prospect, Mexico

Potential field data have long been used in geophysical exploration for archeological, mineral, and reservoir targets. For all these targets, the increased search of highly detailed three-dimensional subsurface volumes has also promoted the recollection of high-density contrast data sets. While there are several approaches to handle these large-scale inverse problems, most of them rely on either the extensive use of high-performance computing architectures or data-model compression strategies that may sacrifice some level of model resolution. We posit that the superposition and convolutional properties of the potential fields can be easily used to compress the information needed for data inversion and also to reduce significantly redundant mathematical computations. For this, we developed a convolution-based conjugate gradient 3D inversion algorithm for the most common types of potential field data. We demonstrate the performance of the algorithm using a resolution test and a synthetic experiment. We then apply our algorithm to gravity and magnetic data for a geothermal prospect in the Acoculco caldera in Mexico. The resulting three-dimensional model meaningfully determined the distribution of the existent volcanic infill in the caldera as well as the interrelation of various intrusions in the basement of the area. We propose that these intrusive bodies play an important role either as a low-permeability host of the heated fluid or as the heat source for the potential development of an enhanced geothermal system.

Geothermal Reservoir Identification based on Gravity Data Analysis in Rajabasa Area- Lampung

Gravity research in the Rajabasa geothermal prospect area was conducted to determine geothermalreservoirs and faults as reservoir boundaries. The research includes spectrum analysis and separation of the Bouguer anomaly to obtain a residual Bouguer anomaly, gradient analysis using the second vertical derivative (SVD) technique to identify fault structures or lithological contact, and 3D inversion modeling of the residual Bouguer anomaly to obtain a 3D density distribution subsurface model. Analysis was performed based on all results with supplementary data from geology, geochemistry, micro-earthquake (MEQ) epicenter distribution map, and magnetotelluric (MT) inversion profiles. The study found 3 (three) geothermal reservoirs in Mount Balirang, west of Mount Rajabasa, and south of Pangkul Hot Spring, with a depth of around 1,000-1,500 m from the ground level. Fault structures and lithologies separate the three reservoirs. The location of the reservoir in the Balirang mountain area corresponds to the model data from MEQ, temperature, and magnetotelluric resistivity data. The heat source of the geothermal system is under Mount Rajabasa, which is indicated by the presence of high-density values (might be frozen residual magma), high-temperature values, and the high number of micro-earthquakes epicenters below the peak of Mount Rajabasa.